Compression is essential when you feel like you aren’t catching the ball entirely or your shots aren’t reaching their full distance.

If you lose the feeling, move the ball back toward your trail foot and reset the drill.

The Setup: * Grab a 9-iron.

Position the ball just inside your trail foot (back of the stance).

The Visualization: * Imagine you are underneath a tree with low-hanging branches.

Your goal is to “pop” the ball out from under the branches with a very low flight.

The Stroke:

Take small half-swings.

Focus on “pinching” the ball against the ground rather than letting the clubhead outrun your hands.

The Progression:

Practice the low-punch feel with the ball back in your stance.

Gradually move the ball back to your standard 9-iron position while trying to mimic that same compressed, pinched feel.

If you lose the feeling, move the ball back toward your trail foot and reset the drill.

Questions and Answers

Q: What exactly is “compression” in a golf swing?
A: Compression is the feeling of “pinching” the ball between the clubface and the ground. It ensures you are catching the ball entirely so it travels the full intended distance.

Q: Why does Cathy Kim suggest putting the ball back in the stance for this drill?
A: Placing the ball near your trail foot encourages a steeper angle of attack and prevents the clubhead from passing your hands too early, which is the key to hitting down on the ball.

Q: What should the ball flight look like during this practice?
A: The ball flight should be very low. The goal of the “under the tree” drill is to keep the ball beneath imaginary low-hanging branches.

Q: Who should practice this drill?
A: This drill is beneficial for beginners, intermediates, and even advanced players who feel they are “scooping” the ball or losing distance on their iron shots.